Former rugby star Joe Marler has become the first celebrity Gladiator to join the hit BBC programme. The 36-year-old will step into the Sheffield arena as his alter ego Mauler, making his Gladiators debut in the upcoming series.
Marler's New Role
Marler marks the first star to join the team of elite athletes and will go head-to-head with contestants in special appearances described as "packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises". He will be joined by familiar Gladiator faces including Apollo, Comet, Diamond, Nitro and Dynamite.
The popular game show, hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, tests contestants' speed, power, endurance and agility as they face off with the Gladiators.
From Rugby to TV
Marler rose to fame as an England rugby star and has pivoted toward a career in television since retiring. He has appeared on shows such as Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, Blankety Blank and recently took part in Soccer Aid 2026.
His appearance on the Celebrity Traitors last autumn turned him into a TV star, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his shrewd analysis and friendships with comedians Joe Wilkinson and Nick Mohammed. Marler formed an alliance with Ted Lasso star Mohammed, who later backstabbed him at the final roundtable and voted him out, creating a viral moment.
Gladiators returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.
